FRAGILE - The Runaway Girl

Caught - 7

Trigger warning : Depiction of strong language, abuse, sexual assault, violence.

Isabella's POV :

I was chilling watching TV, and the maid joined me. She turned out to be pretty cool, must be in her early 20s. I started off trying to get info from her, but she ended up becoming a good companion.

When my morning routine was done, she dropped the bomb that I couldn't leave the room. I suggested watching a movie, and we had a blast all afternoon, laughing together until late evening.

Out of the blue there was a knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat, thinking it was him. "Dinner is ready, ma'am," she said. "Alright, bring it in," Mary ordered. "The boss wants her to dine together" she said again.

Mary and I exchanged looks before heading downstairs; truth be told, I was scared of him.

The moment I laid eyes on the person who warned me in the morning, I saw the devil in him, exuding dominance and intimidation, almost like my father.

That's what freaks me out the most.

Mary was about to leave, but I stopped her, saying, "I'm in my nightgown, Mary. Can I really go down like this?" I was feeling super comfy in that outfit. "Yeah, it's fine. Let's go," she reassured me and led the way out of the room. Even though she said it was cool, I still had doubts. I brushed off that feeling and followed her downstairs.

I tiptoed towards the dining room; Mary had to leave for other work, so she couldn't be there for serving the meal. My heart was racing with each step I took. When I finally pushed open the double doors to the dining room, all eyes turned towards me. The table was packed with people, mostly men. I felt my breathing getting erratic, but my heart rate started to slow down with each step I took.

At the end of the table sat the most intimidating man. His intense gaze bore into me, scrutinizing my every move; I knew I had to be careful. He gestured to the empty seat beside him, and I nodded in acknowledgment. As I made my way to the table, I kept my head down.

However, my curiosity got the better of me, and I glanced up to find all the men staring at my nightgown. Oh no, I had completely forgotten what I was wearing!

I hastened my steps and quickly took my seat next to him. The comfort I felt earlier vanished, replaced by discomfort from the curious looks of everyone at the table. "Hmm good girl", he whispered to me before turning his attention to the others.

"Attention here" He called out for everyone, and the room that was buzzing with whispers quickly hushed into complete silence. I jumped at the authority and power he held over everyone. "This is Isabella Lancaster, my fiancée. Treat her well, or else, you know..." The room fell into a hush, and it slowly dawned on me that he had just introduced me as his fiancée.

I looked at him in disbelief, but he just gave me a dismissive look and signaled for me to stay quiet. It feels like I'm nothing more than a puppet in everyone's eyes.

As we began our lunch, I quietly ate everything, eager to leave as soon as possible. However, the silence was broken by a man.

"Hey, Isabella. I'm Fred," he smiled at me. I glanced at Christian, and he nodded, so I went along, though I wasn't sure why am I even doing this things!.

"Hello," I smiled back and continued eating. "What's your age, girlie?" another man winked at me. "That's something you don't need to worry about, Will," Christian intervened. Somehow, I felt relieved by how he was shielding me from these men. But who are they?"

"Hey, Isabella, I'm Ray. If you need anything, you can rely on me," he said, flashing me his dimple smile. This time I genuinely returned his smile. I would stay here if and only if even one person is kind to me, I can be cooperative. Besides I have no place to live, this is better as it is.

Christian cleared his throat, and I quickly refocused on eating my dinner.

Christian POV :

"Once y'all done, you can head home" I announced as I stood up from my seat. She glanced at me, and I returned her gaze, feeling irritated by her eating habits. With 2-3 bites in her mouth, it seemed uncomfortable while looking at her chewing like that.

I couldn't understand how she could eat like that; it reminds me of a pig. I didn't want others to witness her eating in that manner.

"Let's go," I suddenly exclaimed, catching her off guard. "But my food-" she tried to say with her mouth full, but I interrupted by taking her hand and pulling her up. I lifted her in a bridal style, "You can eat it in my room" I winked at her, leaving everyone and her baffled by my sudden change. I left the room.

This action would make it appear like I have a fiancé.

I noticed she was quiet the entire way to my room. When I looked at her, I saw that she was already asleep. Asleep already?

 I rolled my eyes at her, what a troublemaker she is! I wanted to discuss some things, but she fell asleep earlier than I expected. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow.

I sighed as I gently laid her on my bed, covered her with the blankets up to her neck, turned off the lights, and left the room.

Isabella POV :

 I opened one of my eyes sneakily to check if he had left or not. The room was dark, so I figured he had left. I was being cautious to see if he really had left without making it obvious.

I sat up on the bed, realizing it was late, probably midnight. "Should I eavesdrop on their conversation before it's too late? What if they are his teammates or something like that?" I was about to get up from the bed, but before I could even move, I saw a figure standing by the door frame.

Christian? I was certain I saw him leave, so how is he here now? His arms were folded, leaning on the closet near the door, and from his expression, it seemed like he already knew what I was up to. I guess I'm in trouble now...